Distribution of gift hampers and ₹1,000 cash for the ensuing Pongal began at 1,132 ration shops in the district.
Officials said 7,01,288 ration cardholders would receive gift hampers, cash, free saris and dhotis. They said that each ration shop would issue 300 tokens everyday to the cardholders and distribute saris and dhotis. All cardholders would be covered before the festival, they added.
In Salem district, a total of 9,98,484 cardholders would receive the hampers and cash through the 1,570 ration shops.
District Collector Rohini R. Bhajibhakare said that the distribution would be held from 8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. at all the ration shops till January 12. The list of cardholders who would receive the hampers on a particular day would be displayed at their respective ration shops, she added. Cardholders who could not receive the hampers on the particular day, can collect it on January 13 and 14.
In Namakkal district, a total of 5,24,872 cardholders would receive the Pongal gifts.
